To slightly contradict my original statement, cabins (or recreational use homes) are an example of buildings in colder climates where a foundation may be pier a

To slightly contradict my original statement, cabins (or recreational use homes) are an example of buildings in colder climates where a foundation may be pier and beam rather than basement. Part of this has to do with the fact that mountains are literally raised areas of bedrock with some tiny amount of topsoil on them so it's likely you'll dig and hit solid goddamn limestone.